LONG BRANCH – A New Jersey Congressman is lauding a federal decision to regulate the sale and use of electronic cigarettes, or e-cigs.

U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, who called for regulation of the devices that vaporize nicotine oils without producing smoke earlier this year, cheered a U.S. Food and Drug Administration decision to levy restrictions on the devices in a press release Thursday.

“After months of waiting, I am pleased that the FDA has finally issued proposed regulations regarding the manufacture and sale of e-cigarettes and other tobacco products,” Pallone (D-6th) said. “These regulations are long overdue.”

The FDA plan, announced Thursday, would prohibit sale of electronic cigarette and nicotine oils to customers under the age of 18. The plan would also require health warnings and prohibit the sale of e-cig products in vending machines.

“The FDA must have a role in examining the science behind e-cigarettes in order to protect the public health,” Pallone said. “That is why I have repeatedly called on the FDA to release stricter rules regarding e-cigarettes, and I look forward to further examining and commenting on the rule to ensure that final oversight of these products is robust and effective.”

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The FDA would require manufacturers of electronic cigarettes and nicotine oil to register their products and ingredients, which would have to go through a federal review before going to market. Companies would be prevented from offering free samples of their products.

“While this is only the first step toward regulation, it is an important one,” Pallone said.” Consumers must be informed about the possible health risks that e-cigarettes pose, as well as their potential for addiction. However, I am disappointed that the FDA has failed to take action to prevent e-cigarette companies from continuing to deploy marketing tactics that lure children and teenagers into potential addiction. If young people become hooked in adolescence, their ability to break the habit in later years can be extremely difficult. We have an obligation to protect our young people, and these regulations must be strengthened to do so.”

The FDA regulations will be finalized after a 75-day public comment period.